Premium
Large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings as a public health strategy: equity considerations for implementation
Author(s) -
Zamora Gerardo,
FloresUrrutia Mónica Crissel,
Mayén AnaLucia
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/nyas.13183
Subject(s) - equity (law) , scale (ratio) , business , environmental health , public health , fortification , health equity , food science , medicine , geography , political science , chemistry , nursing , cartography , law
Fortification of staple foods with vitamins and minerals is an effective approach to increase micronutrient intake and improve nutritional status. The specific use of condiments and seasonings as vehicles in large‐scale fortification programs is a relatively new public health strategy. This paper underscores equity considerations for the implementation of large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings as a public health strategy by examining nonexhaustive examples of programmatic experiences and pilot projects in various settings. An overview of conceptual elements in implementation research and equity is presented, followed by an examination of equity considerations for five implementation strategies: (1) enhancing the capabilities of the public sector, (2) improving the performance of implementing agencies, (3) strengthening the capabilities and performance of frontline workers, (3) empowering communities and individuals, and (4) supporting multiple stakeholders engaged in improving health. Finally, specific considerations related to intersectoral action are considered. Large‐scale fortification of condiments and seasonings cannot be a standalone strategy and needs to be implemented with concurrent and coordinated public health strategies, which should be informed by a health equity lens.